10 Beauty Products I Don’t Leave Home Without

1. Moisturizer

There are three products I really like.  I use almost any of the formulations of Olay Complete, Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture with spf 15, or I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Fresh Moisture.  Of the three, I like the Neutrogena Fresh Moisture best, but unfortunately it does not have any sun protection.  So my must have product here is the Olay Complete, because I need sun protection.

2. Leave in Conditioner/Frizz fighter

99% of the time, I do not actually style my hair.  There’s probably ten products involved in actually styling my hair, which is why I don’t do it that often.  So for the other 99% of the time, I stick with either Garnier Fructis Style Sleek & Shine Anti-humidity Smoothing Milk or Aussie Hair Insurance leave-in conditioner.  I apply either product to towel-dried hair, comb, and go.  I don’t have a favorite between the two, whichever is closer when I pack my bag is usually the one that comes with me.

3. Mineral Foundation

I do not go bare-faced.  I probably should occasionally to let my skin breathe, but I don’t feel good about my appearance without some kind of makeup to even out my skin tone.  I have tried Ulta minerals, Everyday Minerals, and Coastal Scents Silk Cover Mineral Foundation.  Of those, my favorite is easily Everyday minerals.  I am allergic to the Ulta minerals.  The Silk Cover goes on smoothly, but cakes within a couple hours, plus the lightest shade was still too dark for me.  The Everyday Minerals foundation goes on so light, it doesn’t even feel like makeup, but the coverage is still great.  I mix different shades and foundation types together and have had great luck doing so.

4. Softlips

This is my lip balm of choice.  I love everything about it.  The texture, the tingle, the flavors.  I probably own twelve tubes at any given time.  I love this stuff.

5. Brow color

In many of my beauty articles/tutorials, if you’ve read them, I’ve mentioned that I hate how I look with undefined brows.  My brows are too sparse, too pale, and I just look tired if I don’t fill my brows.  I always carry either e.l.f.’s studio collection brow kit or e.l.f. brightening eye color in butternut.  The dark brown shade is perfect for filling my brows.  I use a flat eyeliner brush to apply it perfectly.

6. A nude or gold-toned eyeshadow

I always have a slightly shimmery nude or gold eyeshadow with me in case I don’t have time or don’t feel like going all out with my makeup.  That way I can just brighten my eyes a bit with a wash of color and be on my way.  In a pinch, bronzer can work too.

7. Maybelline Great Lash

My standby.  I still haven’t found any mascara I like as much.

8. Lotion

This one is kind of a no brainer, but my hands get dry and this helps.  I also massage it into my nails if they’re looking particularly parched.  And if I forget or run out of my leave-in conditioner, a dab rubbed between my hands, then over my dry hair tames the frizzies.  If I forget to bring lotion, I have been known to try to substitute moisturizer instead, which halfway works.  But when I have really dry skin, a facial moisturizer oftentimes does not moisturize enough and I have to reapply.  So a rich, nice smelling lotion often finds its way into my bag when I travel.

9. Acne Spot Treatment

Skin issues can flare up at any time, and I try to be prepared for almost anything.  My favorite spot treatment right now is Avon Clearskin Immediate Response Spot Treatment.  It’s 2% salicylic acid, so it will dry you out if you apply more than once or so per day, but just dabbing some on problem areas before bed will work wonders.

10. Water

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of hydration.  Maybe it’s because I’m originally from Arizona, and I’ve had it beaten into my head.  But at the same time, I can feel and see a difference if I haven’t had enough water.  My skin looks dull, flaky, tired.  I feel lousy too.  Drinking water is a simple, inexpensive beauty regimine that will work wonders.

This is just a start, “must have” products will vary by person, season, and other circumstances.  Knowing your needs will make preparing for any trip or special event that much easier and less stressful.  As always, thank you for reading!